The city of Bordeaux has a large but un-busy airport (BOD), a large train station with fast TGV trains to and from Paris, and a useful tramway system (map).

Traveling between the airport, train station and city center at Place de la Bourse or Place des Quinconces is easy by tram and bus.

Aéroport de Bordeaux-Mérignac

Bordeaux's airport (BOD), 14 km (9 miles) southwest of the city center, is large, modern, and usually uncrowded. The useful airport website has an English version.

TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole) operates the city's public transit system of trams and buses.

Tram A

From the Aéroport station of TBM Tram line A in front of Express Parking and Hall B, the tram takes you to the Pey-Berland stop in the city center (map) in 35 minutes. Trams run every 10 minutes from 05:00am to 24:00 (midnight).

Tickets are not sold on the trams. Buy a ticket (€1.70) at the Relay shop in the airport, from the ticket machines near the tram stop, or via the Witick smartphone app.

Airport Buses

The 30'Direct airport shuttle bus service (€8) takes you from the airport's Arrivals Level of Terminal B nonstop to the Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean SNCF) at the city center every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day. The ride takes about 30 minutes to the Gare (train station).

Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean SNCF

The Gare (SNCF), 2.3 km (1.5 miles) south of Place de la Bourse (map), is the place to go for intercity and international trains and buses. TGV trains whisk you to and from Paris and other European capitals, and regional and local TER trains serve the cities and towns of Gironde and Aquitaine.

The Gare has numerous services such as shops and restaurants. Hotels are nearby, the Eurolines international bus office is across the street, and city buses and trams stop directly in front of the station.

Take TBM Tram C toward Gare de Blanquefort or Parc des Expositions/Stade Matmut Atlantique to go from the Gare de Bordeaux St-Jean (train station) to the city center at Place de la Bourse or Place des Quinconces.

Transports Bordeaux Métropole

Bordeaux's public transit system known as TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole) will get you around the city comfortably and economically on four tram lines (A, B, C & D), 80 city bus lines, the Batcub shuttle boat on the river, and V3 short-trip shared bicycles.

Fare tickets can be bought from machines at major stops (such as the Gare de Bordeaux St-Jean, which also has a transport agency office); or via the Witick smartphone app.

A single fare is 1.70€. Use euro coins or a chip-and-PIN debit/credit card to pay for a card good for 1, 5 or 10 trips. One fare pays for one hour of travel, so you can transfer between tram and bus as necessary during the hour.

Although you can buy tickets on buses, you cannot buy them on trams. Buy your ticket before boarding the tram.

When you board the bus or tram, look for the yellow compositeur (validation) machine and insert your ticket to validate (composter) it for that ride. Failing to do so could result in an expensive fine.

If your ticket is electronic (on your smartphone), you'll validate by Bluetooth as you board.

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